US President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday by hosting a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House, turning the presidential palace into an outdoor arena as thousands gathered to watch the cage fight under the “UFC Freedom 250” banner.Trump was escorted out of the Oval Office by UFC President Dana White and shouted “USA!” as military personnel, dignitaries and boxing fans attended the event. The show was held to celebrate Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.Trump, a longtime UFC supporter who has a 25-year relationship with White, received birthday wishes from supporters gathered on the South Lawn, with one fan shouting “Happy Birthday!” as the crowd cheered.The incident occurred just hours after the United States and Iran announced a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transportation route. Against this backdrop, the White House opened for one of the most unusual sporting events ever hosted in a presidential residence.According to a National Park Service court filing, more than $60 million and tens of thousands of man-hours were invested in the construction of the temporary stadium on the South Lawn.The first fight of the night was a featherweight bout between Diego Lopez and Steve Garcia inside the Octagon, which was located beneath a massive four-sided structure called the Claw. The building is 90 feet tall and features giant screens, lighting, speakers and extensive wiring to support outdoor activities.García, draped in an American flag, was escorted into the arena by two police officers, while Lopez walked out to the Mexican song “La Chona.”This event is rich in content and has a strong spirit of patriotism. The Marine Corps Band performed in front of the White House and country singer Zach Brown sang the national anthem. Fighter introductions were conducted by longtime UFC commentator Bruce Buffer, whose outfit was emblazoned with gold stars and miniature American flags.Flyovers by the Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds added to the spectacle.White had earlier said the event would go ahead regardless of weather conditions, although severe thunderstorms and lightning disrupted Friday’s promotion at the Lincoln Memorial. The forecast for Sunday night also points to the possibility of severe weather.The outdoor fight card represents the latest chapter in the long-running relationship between Trump and White. White’s first UFC event as president took place at the Trump Taj Mahal in 2001. Since returning to office, Trump has attended four UFC events as president, often making boxer-style entrances to the accompaniment of music and patriotic chants.White also played a major role in Trump’s political campaign, introducing him at two Republican National Conventions and attending several high-profile White House events.There are seven all-male matches on the main card, with two title fights streaming live on Paramount+. Brazilian boxer Alex Pereira was scheduled to fight France’s Cyril Gane for the interim heavyweight title, while lightweight champion Ilya Topria was scheduled to face interim champion Justin Gaethje.Other bouts include former title challengers Michael Chandler and Derrick Lewis, as well as former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was escorted by police from a fight near the Oval earlier Sunday and put into a Park Police van. Strickland, who was barefoot and wearing a black jacket, recently claimed on social media that he was excluded from a White House UFC event due to his criticism of Israel.It’s unclear why police took action.White refuted claims that Strickland was banned from the UFC Freedom 250 event.“No one is banned. Nothing is banned,” White told reporters earlier this month.
